91 - Praveen Alva - #CMPATTERN

Our theme for June is PATTERN. It was chosen by our Chennai chapter and illustrated by Nishant Saldanha. Recognizing, forming, and breaking patterns are core components of creativity. Visuals, sounds, movements, and the passage of time all form patterns that shape our existence and our work. Our Chennai chapter’s selection of this theme was inspired by the art form kōlam; which features patterns of dots that are encircled or connected by straight and curved lines. These intricate, geometric designs are created on the thresholds and floors of houses, temples and businesses using rice flour. The practice is deeply rooted in South Indian culture to welcome guests into the home and bring good fortune and prosperity. Traditionally created by women, our Chennai chapter shared that these beautiful designs are often created by family members and neighbors as a communal activity. Connections between people form patterns in our lives too. Which patterns in your relationships, work, and habits are worth repeating? Which ones should be changed? What new pattern do you want to create?
Praveen Alva formed Alva Kuuto in 2022 to take Tulu to the global stage. Alva Kuuto literally means ‘Alva’s collective/group’. Alva Kuuto is the first & the only indie band writing and performing in the 2500-year-old Dravidian language. At present the group comprises of Praveen Alva on Vocals and Acoustic guitar, Abhilash Shet on Bass guitar, Anshuman Uphadhay on Drums and Siddharth Pradeep on Electric Guitar. The band involves and engages the audience through narration of stories, memories, emotions and presents folk melodies in contemporary sensibilities and arrangements. Through this Praveen Alva’s effort is towards informing the audience about the coastal life, its culture, and the language which binds the region - TULU.